You have reached the APFA weekly HotLine update for October 31, 2008. This is Frank Bastien, National Communications Coordinator.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

In a special message recorded on Thursday, October 30, APFA President Laura Glading addressed the membership with a report on the Fall 2008 Convention and an appeal toward continued unity among APFA members. Praising the solidarity shown by the APFA Board of Directors in their three days of proceedings, President Glading stated ìI could not be more proud to be a part of such a dedicated group of Union leaders who continue to face head-on the challenges that lie ahead for our Organization and for our Flight Attendants.

ìMay 1, 2009, the one-year anniversary of the amendable date of our agreement, is our target for presenting to the APFA members a contract they can ratify with pride.î

She continued, "Your APFA leadership needs the support of every member as we join to confront an American Airlines management set on keeping us working under substandard wages and inadequate and inflexible scheduling rules Ö I encourage all APFA members to maintain the hope and spirit that defines us as a Union."

If you have not listened to President Gladingís message in its entirety, please select option 1 from the main menu at the conclusion of this HotLine.

NEGOTIATIONS PROGRESS

In their progress report for last week, the APFA Negotiating team reported that discussions with the Company over Article 10-Reserve, are ongoing. More talks are planned as your Negotiating Team remains committed to bringing desired changes that will offer some relief for those Flight Attendants that must serve reserve.

Additionally, further subcommittee meetings were planned to review proposals on Article 5-Uniforms and Accessories, Article 12-Filling of Vacancies, and Article 19-Leaves of Absence. While talks are ongoing with the Company, your communication with the team remains vital to their success. Email them directly at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your ideas and comments on any contractual issues that concern you.

INDUSTRY NEWS

In industry news, after a six-month investigation of the deal, the U.S. Justice Department has approved the planned merger between Delta and Northwest, which creates the worldís largest airline. The marriage of the two carriers is not free from obstacles, however, as there are still the complications of integrating the two workgroups and cultures. Northwest is heavily unionized while Delta is largely non-union. Its largest unionized group, the pilots, is in arbitration with the pilots of Northwest over the merger of the two seniority lists. The two groups, both represented by ALPA, had previously ratified a joint collective bargaining agreement.

The machinists for Boeing, represented by the IAM, have reached a tentative agreement to end the almost 8-week-old strike by their 27,000 members. A vote is scheduled for Saturday on the proposed settlement that is reported to offer wage increases totaling 15% over four years and bonuses amounting to $8000. The Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer was said to be losing $100 million per day during the strike, which heavily disrupted its delivery schedule. American has a substantial aircraft order with Boeing: 76 B737-800 aircraft to be delivered in 2009 and 2010 and a recent deal for 42 B787 Dreamliner planes, with options on 52 more beginning in 2012.

ELECTION DAY

Tuesday, November 4 is Election Day in the U.S. It is widely held that seldom has there been a more clearly defined choice in candidates for the countryís highest office as there is this year ñ a choice between two lauded Senators: John McCain, the Republican candidate from Arizona and Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate from Illinois. The APFA Executive Committeeís endorsement of Senator Obama is available through a link on the APFA website. Every member is encouraged to make her or his voice heard at the polls. Do not miss this opportunity to participate in selecting our countryís leaders.

Remember there are still 1,184 of our members on furlough and awaiting recall. And thank you for calling the APFA HotLine.

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REMEMBER NOVEMBER

November 18 marks the 15th anniversary of our historic strike against American Airlines. Picketing events are planned at DFW, JFK and DCA. We must remind the public and management that we are willing to take the ultimate step should the Company fail to give us the contract we deserve.

Your participation is crucial. This is an excellent opportunity to display our unity. All Flight Attendants are encouraged to attend. All bases will have local base representatives spending that day in operations on the 18th to discuss various topics and answer your questions.

MEMBER INFORMATION UPDATE

Does APFA have your most recent contact information? Have you moved recently? Changed phone numbers or email address? The Company does not pass along changes to your personal information to the Union. You may email or call the APFA Membership Department: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800-395-2732 ext. 8153, to let us know your new contact info. Or log on to the APFA web site and click on Member Services to change your information directly.